In the 11-year period of 2005 through 2015, canines killed 360 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 64% (232) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Friday, September 26, 2014

Out of the Blue
Grand Rapids, MI - Artist Joan Marie Kowal created an entry for the Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2014 competition titled, "Out of the Blue." It is the nation's first physical memorial for victims of fatal dog attacks. Nearly 30 differently decorated crosses in multiple shades of blue each represent a person killed by a dog. She titled the entry, Out of the Blue, because that is how fatal dog attacks often occur. Kowal hopes to raise awareness about these victims and to prevent future tragedies.

"Putting faces on it is powerful. It brings up something that people don't always think about." - Christa Beukema, Out of the Blue observer, WZZM13.com

Viewers are encouraged to express their sympathy, respect and support for the victims and their families by leaving teddy bears, flowers or memorial decorations in the designated heart-shaped memorial space. "These people need love," said Kowal. "We cannot keep forgetting about these people." Kowal said that a pastor will be at the memorial on Saturday at 6 pm to lead a prayer for dog attack victims. On Sunday, a trio of misguided pit bull owners plan to protest the memorial.1

9 comments:

Jaloney | 9/27/2014 12:15 AM | FlagLove the last line : The photograph of these women "gloating" with their pit bulls at the exhibit is extremely disturbing. Narcipitism, however, is a well-documented characteristic amongst pit bull owners.

Jeff Borchardt | 9/27/2014 11:11 AM | FlagSo proud of you for doing this Joan. I really don't know what anyone would protest. Are these victims dead? Yes. Were the majority of them killed by pit bulls? Yes. Are we just going to sit in a corner with our fingers in our ears and pretend this didn't happen? Can our children at least have the respect that they deserve by at least acknowledging HOW they were killed?

I suggest any of the 2013/2014 victims of dog attacks and their families drive to MI this weekend or next and let them know that this art display is a great way to honor their dead.

Colleen Lynn | 9/27/2014 11:27 AM | FlagPlease take photographs of each cross so that we can see up close your wonderful work. Would love to raise funds to bring your exhibit to Texas, each cross representing a Texan mauled to death by a dangerous dog since 2005. At least 42 crosses will be needed.

Farmer Jane | 9/27/2014 1:16 PM | FlagThank you for this. We cannot allow the victims to be forgotten. Every way they can be given a voice is a step in the right direction.And, of course, the pit idiots will not even allow us to mourn our dead in peace. Their shrill self-righteousness only draws attention to their lack of respect for victims that died a horrible and needless death. Their presence there is as much of an abomination as Darla Napora's husband burying her killer with her.

RSM | 9/27/2014 4:36 PM | FlagThis is awesome, wow, thanks for making this great art. Only locals or those that can show up to the site can vote, so if you are near, make the trip.

Those 3 women, with their game bred maulers, grinning while sitting on the memorial, make me sick. How do they not realize how foolish they look? JFC.

maultalk | 9/28/2014 9:09 PM | FlagThe Nutters at the protest on Sunday are so mentally deficient they do not even realize that the memorial represents actual 2014 fatal dog attack victims, ALL OF THEM, Jan 1 through mid September 2014. Seriously. http://woodtv.com/2014/09/28/pit-bull-owners-protest-at-dog-attack-artprize-entry/

Jeff Borchardt | 9/29/2014 3:34 PM | FlagHey Jaloney, better get down there and add another cross for them to protest. DBRF #30 while pit bull owners were protesting dead people.

Jaloney | 6/08/2015 11:14 AM | FlagOut of the Blue was supported by victims and concerned citizens and brought to Columbus Ohio in front of the statehouse on May 30 2015. Additional crosses were added to represent more than a dozen new pitbull fatalities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlSL8ZcrBCM